Radiation-emitting semiconductor chip

ABSTRACT

A radiation-emitting semiconductor chip includes a carrier and a semiconductor body having a semiconductor layer sequence, wherein an emission region and a protective diode region are formed in the semiconductor body having the semiconductor layer sequence; the semiconductor layer sequence includes an active region that generates radiation, the active region being arranged between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; the first semiconductor layer is arranged on a side of the active region which faces away from the carrier; the emission region has a recess extending through the active region; the first semiconductor layer in the emission region is electrically conductively connected to a first connection layer, wherein the first connection layer extends in the recess from the first semiconductor layer toward the carrier; and the first connection layer in the protective diode region is electrically conductively connected to the second semiconductor layer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a §371 of International Application No. PCT/DE2009/001524, withan international filing date of Oct. 29, 2009, which is based on GermanPatent Application Nos. 10 2008 059 580.2, filed Nov. 28, 2008, and 102009 006 177.0; filed Jan. 26, 2009, the subject matter of which isincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a radiation-emitting semiconductor chip.

BACKGROUND

In radiation-emitting semiconductor chips, such, as light-emittingdiodes, for example, electrostatic discharge (ESD) can lead to damagethrough to destruction. The risk of such damage can be avoided by anadditional diode, wherein the forward direction of the diode is orientedin antiparallel with the forward direction of the radiation-emittingsemiconductor chip. In the case of that method, therefore, at least onefurther diode respectively has to be mounted in addition to theradiation-emitting semiconductor chips, which can lead to increasedmounting outlay and space requirement and higher production costsassociated therewith.

It could therefore be helpful to provide a radiation-emittingsemiconductor chip which has a reduced sensitivity toward electrostaticdischarge. Furthermore, it could be helpful to provide a simple andreliable method for producing such a semiconductor chip.

SUMMARY

We provide a radiation-emitting semiconductor chip comprising a carrierand a semiconductor body having a semiconductor layer sequence, whereinan emission region and a protective diode region are formed in thesemiconductor body having the semiconductor layer sequence; thesemiconductor layer sequence comprises an active region that generatesradiation, the active region being arranged between a firstsemiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; the firstsemiconductor layer is arranged on a side of the active region whichfaces away from the carrier; the emission region has a recess extendingthrough the active region; the first semiconductor layer in the emissionregion is electrically conductively connected to a first connectionlayer, wherein the first connection layer extends in the recess from thefirst semiconductor layer toward the carrier; and the first connectionlayer in the protective diode region is electrically conductivelyconnected to the second semiconductor layer.

We also provide a method for producing a plurality of radiation-emittingsemiconductor chips comprising: providing a semiconductor layer sequencehaving an active region that generates radiation, the active regionbeing arranged between a first semiconductor layer and a secondsemiconductor layer; forming a plurality of recesses extending throughthe second semiconductor layer and through the active region; forming afirst connection layer on the semiconductor layer sequence, wherein thefirst connection layer in the recesses is electrically conductivelyconnected to the first semiconductor layer, and wherein the firstconnection layer is electrically conductively connected in regions tothe second semiconductor layer; forming an assemblage comprising thesemiconductor layer sequence and a carrier; forming a plurality ofemission regions and a plurality of protective diode regions from thesemiconductor layer sequence, wherein the emission regions each have atleast one recess and, in the protective diode regions, the firstconnection layer is electrically conductively connected to the secondsemiconductor layer; singulating the assemblage into a plurality ofsemiconductor chips, wherein each semiconductor chip has at least oneemission region and at least one protective diode region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first example of a radiation-emittingsemiconductor chip in schematic plan view (FIG. 1B) and associatedsectional view (FIG. 1A).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the current paths in asemiconductor chip in accordance with the first example illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second example of a radiation-emittingsemiconductor chip in schematic plan view (FIG. 3B) and associatedsectional view (FIG. 3A).

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the current paths in asemiconductor chip in accordance with the second example illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 5A to 5F show an example of a method for producing aradiation-emitting semiconductor chip on the basis of intermediate stepsillustrated in each case in schematic sectional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example, a radiation-emitting semiconductor chip comprises acarrier and a semiconductor body having a semiconductor layer sequence.An emission region and a protective diode region, preferably separatefrom the emission region, are formed in the semiconductor body. Thesemiconductor layer sequence comprises an active region provided forgenerating radiation, said active region being arranged between a firstsemiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The firstsemiconductor layer is arranged on that side of the active region whichfaces away from the carrier. The emission region has at least one recessextending through the active region. The first semiconductor layer, inthe emission region, is electrically conductively connected to a firstconnection layer, wherein the first connection layer extends in therecess from the first semiconductor layer in the direction of thecarrier. The first connection layer, in the protective diode region, iselectrically conductively connected to the second semiconductor layer.

A protective diode is formed by the protective diode region, whichprotective diode may be integrated into the semiconductor chip, inparticular into the semiconductor body. An undesired voltage, presentfor instance in the reverse direction at the active region of theemission region at the semiconductor chip, can flow away, via theprotective diode region. The protective diode region can thereforefulfill, in particular, the function of an ESD diode and, in contrast tothe emission region, need not serve for generating radiation. Thesemiconductor chip can be protected against damage by electrostaticdischarge by the protective diode region.

In particular, this protection already exists prior to the mounting ofthe semiconductor chip, for instance in a housing for the semiconductorchip or on a circuit board. The protection can therefore be obtainedindependently of an additional protective diode that is arranged outsidethe semiconductor chip and electrically connected thereto.

The emission region and the protective diode region preferably ariseduring production from the same semiconductor layer sequence. Thedeposition of additional semiconductor layers for forming the protectivediode region can therefore be dispensed with.

Expediently, the active region of the emission region and the activeregion of the protective diode region are spaced apart from one another.

Furthermore, the emission region and the protective diode region arepreferably arranged alongside one another in a lateral direction, thatis to say along a main extension plane of the semiconductor layers ofthe semiconductor body. The emission region and the protective dioderegion can therefore be regions of the semiconductor body having thesemiconductor layer sequence which are arranged alongside one another ina lateral direction.

Preferably, a cutout is formed between the emission region and theprotective diode region, the cutout dividing the semiconductor body intotwo separate regions laterally separated from one another.

The first semiconductor layer in the emission region and the secondsemiconductor layer in the protective diode region are electricallyconductively connected to one another via the first connection layer,wherein the first connection layer preferably forms an ohmic contact ineach case with the first semiconductor layer and with the secondsemiconductor layer.

An ohmic contact is understood to be, in particular, an electricalconnection whose current-voltage characteristic curve has a linear or atleast approximately linear profile.

The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer of thesemiconductor body are expediently different from one another withregard to their conduction type. By way of example, the firstsemiconductor layer can be embodied as p-conducting and the secondsemiconductor layer as n-conducting, or vice versa.

A diode structure in which the active region is formed is thus realizedin a simple manner.

Preferably, the emission region and the protective diode region areconnected in antiparallel with one another with regard to their forwarddirection.

The semiconductor chip furthermore preferably has a first contact and asecond contact. The first contact and the second contact can be providedin each case for the external electrical contact-connection of thesemiconductor chip. Preferably, the emission region and the protectivediode region are in each case electrically conductively connected to thefirst contact and the second contact. An additional external contact forthe protective diode region can therefore be dispensed with. In otherwords, the semiconductor chip can be embodied in a manner free of anadditional external contact that is electrically insulated from theemission region and is electrically conductively connected exclusivelyto the protective diode region.

An operating voltage present between the first contact and the secondcontact during the operation of the radiation-emitting semiconductorchip brings about an injection of charge carriers from different sidesof the active region into the active region, where the charge carrierscan recombine with emission of radiation.

In this case, no or at least no significant current flow takes placethrough the protective diode region, which is operated in the reversedirection at the operating voltage of the semiconductor chip. Bycontrast, an electrical voltage present in the reverse direction at thediode structure of the emission region, for example caused byelectrostatic charging, can flow away via the protective diode. Theemission region can therefore be protected by a protective diodeintegrated into the semiconductor chip, in particular into thesemiconductor body.

The lateral extent of the protective diode region is preferably smallrelative to the lateral extent of the semiconductor chip. The smallerthe area of the protective diode region, the greater can be theproportion—contributing to the generation of radiation—constituted bythe emission region in the total area of the semiconductor chip. Theprotective diode region preferably covers a maximum of 10%, particularlypreferably a maximum of 5%, most preferably a maximum of 1%, of the areaof the semiconductor chip.

Preferably, the semiconductor body is cohesively connected to thecarrier. The carrier is, in particular, different than a growthsubstrate for the semiconductor layer sequence of the semiconductorbody.

In the case of a cohesive connection, the connection partners, which arepreferably prefabricated, are held together by atomic, and/or molecularforces. A cohesive connection can be obtained, for example, by aconnecting layer, for instance an adhesive layer or a solder layer. Ingeneral, separation of the connection is accompanied by the destructionof the connecting layer and/or of at least one of the connectionpartners.

In one variant, at least one of the contacts of the semiconductor chipcan be arranged on that side of the carrier which faces away from thesemiconductor body. The injection of charge carriers into thesemiconductor body can therefore be effected through the carrier.

The injection of charge carriers can be effected areally through thecarrier from the contact into the semiconductor body. In this case, thecarrier is preferably embodied as electrically conductive. In adeparture from this, in the carrier it is possible to form at least onecutout which preferably extends in a vertical direction through thecarrier and which is provided for the electrical contact-connection ofthe semiconductor body. In this case, the carrier can also be embodiedas electrically insulating. The at least one cutout is expedientlyfilled with an electrically conductive material, for example a metal.

Alternatively, that side of the carrier which faces away from thesemiconductor body can be embodied in a manner free of an electricalcontact. In other words, both electrical contacts can be arranged onthat side of the carrier which faces the semiconductor body. In thiscase, the carrier is preferably embodied as electrically insulating. Ina departure from this, however, an electrically conductive carrier canalso be used.

Further alternatively, at least two contacts are arranged on that sideof the carrier which faces away from the semiconductor body. In otherwords, the contact-connection of the semiconductor chip can be effectedexclusively from that side of the carrier which faces away from thesemiconductor body By way of example, at least one cutout can in eachcase be provided in the carrier for the electrical contact-connection ofthe first connection layer and for the electrical contact-connection ofthe second connection layer, the at least one cutout preferablyextending in each case in a vertical direction through the carrier,which is preferably embodied as electrically insulating.

The carrier can serve, in particular, for the mechanical stabilizationof the semiconductor body with the emission region and the protectivediode region. The growth substrate for the semiconductor layer sequenceof the semiconductor body is no longer required for this purpose and canbe removed completely or at least in regions.

By way of example, the carrier can contain a semiconductor material, forinstance germanium or silicon or consist of such a material. To increasethe electrical conductivity, the carrier can be suitably doped.

By way of example, an electrically insulating carrier can contain aceramic, for instance aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride or siliconnitride, or consist of such a material.

A semiconductor chip in which the growth substrate is removed is alsoreferred to as a thin-film semiconductor chip.

A thin-film semiconductor chip, for instance a thin-film light-emittingdiode chip, is distinguished, in particular, by the followingcharacteristic features:

-   -   a reflective layer is applied or formed at a first main        area—facing toward a carrier element, for instance the        carrier—of a radiation-generating epitaxial layer sequence, the        reflective layer reflecting at least part of the electromagnetic        radiation generated in the epitaxial layer sequence back into        the latter;    -   the epitaxial layer sequence has a thickness in the range of 20        μm or less, in particular in the region of 10 μm; and    -   the epitaxial layer sequence contains at least one semiconductor        layer having at least one area having an intermixing structure        which ideally leads to an approximately ergodic distribution of        the light in the epitaxial layer sequence, that is to say that        it has an as far as possible ergodically stochastically        scattering behavior.

A basic principle of a thin-film light-emitting diode chip is describedfor example in I. Schnitzer et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 63 (16), Oct. 18,1993, 2174-2176, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

A thin-film light-emitting diode chip is, to a good approximation, aLambertian surface emitter and is therefore particularly well suited toapplication in a headlight.

Preferably, the first connection layer runs in regions between thesemiconductor body and the carrier. The first semiconductor layerarranged on that side of the active region which faces away from thecarrier can be electrically contact-connected by the first connectionlayer. A radiation exit area of the semiconductor chip, the radiationexit area being formed on that side of the semiconductor body whichfaces away from the carrier, can therefore be free of layers applied onthe prefabricated semiconductor body for the electricalcontact-connection of the semiconductor body, in particular free of anexternal electrical contact of the semiconductor chip.

Preferably, the first connection layer completely covers the carrier ina plan view of the semiconductor chip. Structured application orstructuring of the already applied connection layer can therefore bedispensed with during the production of the first connection layer.

Further preferably, the second semiconductor layer, in the emissionregion, electrically conductively connected to a second connectionlayer. The second connection layer can, in particular, at least inregions, directly adjoin the second semiconductor layer.

An ohmic contact with the second semiconductor layer is furthermorepreferably formed by the second connection layer in the emission region.The injection of charge carriers into the semiconductor body is thussimplified.

Preferably, the second connection layer runs in regions between thesemiconductor body and the carrier. Consequently, the first connectionlayer and the second connection layer can be formed between thesemiconductor body and the carrier. By the first and the secondconnection layer, the first semiconductor layer and the secondsemiconductor layer, respectively, can be electrically contact-connectedin the emission region from the same side of the semiconductor body. Aradiation exit area of the semiconductor chip that is free of externalelectrical contacts is thus realized in a simple manner.

In other words, the emission region and the protective diode region canbe connected in antiparallel with one another by two connection layers,wherein the connection layers each run at least in regions between thesemiconductor body and the carrier.

Further preferably, the second connection layer runs in regions betweenthe semiconductor body and the first connection layer, in particularbetween the emission region and the first connection layer.

Preferably, the second connection layer is reflective with respect tothe radiation generated in the active region. Radiation emitted by theactive region in the direction of the carrier during the operation ofthe semiconductor chip can thus be reflected at the second connectionlayer and subsequently emerge from the semiconductor chip through theradiation exit area. The radiation power emerging in total from thesemiconductor chip can thus be maximized more extensively.

Further preferably, the second connection layer, in the protective dioderegion, is electrically conductively connected to the firstsemiconductor layer. An antiparallel connection of the emission regionand of the protective diode region relatively to their forward directioncan thus be realized in a simple manner. In this case, the antiparallelconnection can be effected within the semiconductor chip. In otherwords, the antiparallel connection can be completely integrated into thesemiconductor chip.

Furthermore, the integration of the ESD protection into thesemiconductor body can be effected independently of the carrier. Thecarrier can therefore be formed largely independently of theconfiguration of the protective diode region. In particular, the carriercan be planar and/or unstructured in a lateral direction.

In particular, the protective diode region and the connection layersprovided for the antiparallel connection of the protective diode regionto the emission region can be formed in a vertical direction completelybetween a main area of the carrier that faces the semiconductor body andthe radiation exit area. The integration of the function of a protectivediode into the semiconductor chip can thus be produced in a simplemanner.

Alternatively, the protective diode region has a further recess whereinthe second connection layer furthermore preferably extends from thefirst semiconductor layer in the further recess in the direction of thecarrier. The first semiconductor layer of the protective diode regioncan therefore be electrically contact-connected via the further recessthrough the active region.

One of the contacts of the semiconductor chip, in particular the secondcontact, is expediently provided for the external electricalcontact-connection of the second connection layer. By way of example,the contact, in particular the second contact, can be configured as abonding pad for a wire bonding connection.

The contact can be formed by an area of the second connection layer thatis accessible from outside the semiconductor chip.

In a departure from this, the contact can also be formed by a contactlayer that can be provided in addition to the second connection layer.In this case, the contact layer is expediently electrically conductivelyconnected to the second connection layer and furthermore preferably, atleast in regions, directly adjoins the latter.

Preferably, the contact layer covers, at least in regions, a side areadelimiting the protective diode region in a lateral direction. To avoidan electrical short circuit of the diode structure of the protectivediode region, an insulation layer is expediently formed between thecontact layer and the side area.

The contact layer can also completely cover the protective diode regionlaterally. In the case of a contact layer that is non-transmissive withrespect to radiation generated in the active region, it is thus,possible to avoid a situation in which radiation emerges from theprotective diode region in the case of an electrostatic discharge.

In the case of this configuration variant, the first semiconductor layerin the protective diode region on that side of the semiconductor bodywhich faces away from the carrier is electrically conductively connectedto the contact layer. In particular, the contact layer can directlyadjoin the first semiconductor layer in the protective diode region. Thecontact-connection of the first semiconductor layer of the protectivediode region by the second connection layer running through the furtherrecess can thus be, dispensed with.

Furthermore, an electrically conductive connection via the secondconnection layer to the second semiconductor layer of the emissionregion is produced by the contact layer. An antiparallel connection ofemission region and protective diode region is thus realized in a simplemanner.

The contact furthermore preferably covers the protective diode region atleast in regions in a plan view of the semiconductor chip. Inparticular, the contact, embodied as a bonding pad, for instance, cancompletely cover the protective diode region. In other words, theprotective diode region can be integrated into the semiconductor chipbelow the contact. The protective diode region can therefore beintegrated into the semiconductor chip without the area of the emissionregion additionally having to be reduced for this purpose.

Alternatively, the contact and the protective diode region can bearranged alongside one another in a plan view of the semiconductor chip.The contact can be formed by the second connection layer or by thecontact layer arranged on the second connection layer.

The semiconductor body, in particular the active region, furthermorepreferably contains a III-V semiconductor material. With III-Vsemiconductor materials, high internal quantum efficiencies can beachieved during the generation of radiation.

Preferably, the semiconductor chip is a light-emitting diodesemiconductor chip, in particular as a thin-film semiconductor chip,which is furthermore preferably provided for generating incoherent orpartly coherent radiation.

In a method for producing a plurality of radiation-emittingsemiconductor chips, in an example, a semiconductor layer sequence isprovided, which has an active region provided for generating radiation,the active region being arranged between a first semiconductor layer anda second semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer sequence ispreferably deposited epitaxially, for instance by means of MOVPE or MBE.A plurality of recesses are formed, extending through the secondsemiconductor layer and through the active region. A first connectionlayer is formed on the semiconductor layer sequence, in particular afterthe conclusion of the deposition of the semiconductor layer sequence,wherein the first connection layer, in the recesses, is electricallyconductively connected to the first semiconductor layer, and wherein thefirst connection layer is electrically conductively connected in regionsto the second semiconductor layer. An assemblage comprising thesemiconductor layer sequence and a carrier is formed. A plurality ofemission regions and a plurality of protective diode regions are formedfrom the semiconductor layer sequence, wherein the emission regions eachhave at least one recess and, in the protective diode regions, the firstconnection layer is in each case electrically conductively connected tothe second semiconductor layer. The assemblage is singulated into aplurality of semiconductor chips, wherein each semiconductor chip has atleast one emission region and at least one protective diode region.

In this case, the individual method steps need not necessarily becarried out in the order of the above enumeration.

In the method described, a plurality of semiconductor chips each havinga semiconductor body and a carrier arise when the assemblage issingulated. The semiconductor body in each case comprises an emissionregion and a protective diode region. The semiconductor chips thereforealready have an integrated protection against ESD discharges. The riskof damage to the semiconductor chips during the mounting of thesemiconductor chips for example in housings of optoelectronic componentsor on circuit boards is thus reduced to the greatest possible extent.

Preferably, a growth substrate for the semiconductor layer sequence, inparticular prior to the step of forming the plurality of emissionregions and the plurality of protective diode regions from thesemiconductor layer sequence, is removed at least in regions. This canbe effected mechanically, for example by grinding, lapping or polishing,and/or chemically, for instance by wet-chemical or dry-chemical etching.Alternatively or supplementarily, a laser stripping method (laserlift-off) can also be employed.

The first connection layer, is preferably formed before the emissionregions and the protective diode regions are formed, for instance bywet-chemical or dry-chemical structuring, from the semiconductor layersequence. In particular, the emission regions and the protective dioderegions can be formed from the side of the semiconductor layer sequenceon which the growth substrate was originally situated.

The first connection layer and/or the second connection layer preferablycontain a metal, for instance aluminum, silver, titanium, rhodium,platinum, nickel or gold, or a metallic alloy comprising at least one ofthe metals mentioned. Furthermore, the first connection layer and/or thesecond connection layer can also be formed in multilayered fashion.

Alternatively or supplementarily, the first connection layer and/or thesecond connection layer can also contain a TCO material (transparentconductive oxide), for example indium tin oxide (ITO) or zinc oxide.

The first and/or the second connection layer can be formed for exampleby a deposition method such as vapor deposition or sputtering on theexpediently prefabricated, semiconductor layer sequence.

The method described is particularly suitable for producing asemiconductor chip described further above. Therefore, featuresmentioned in connection with the semiconductor chip can also be used forthe method, and vice versa.

Further features, configurations and expediencies will become apparentfrom the following description of examples in conjunction with thefigures.

Elements that are identical, of identical type or act identically areprovided with identical reference symbols in the figures.

The figures and the size relationships of the elements illustrated inthe figures among one another should not be regarded as to scale.Rather, individual elements and, in particular, layer thicknesses may beillustrated with an exaggerated size to enable better illustrationand/or to afford a better understanding.

A first example of a radiation-emitting semiconductor chip isillustrated in schematic plan view in FIG. 1B and in associatedschematic sectional view along the line AA′ in FIG. 1A.

The semiconductor chip 1 has a semiconductor body 2 having asemiconductor layer sequence and a carrier 5. The semiconductor body 2has an emission region 23 and a protective diode region 24. The emissionregion and the protective diode region are arranged alongside oneanother without any overlap in a plan view of the semiconductor chip.

The emission region 23 and the protective diode region 24 are separatedfrom one another by a cutout 29. The cutout extends in a verticaldirection, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to a mainextension plane of the semiconductor layers of the semiconductor body 2,completely through the semiconductor body 2. An electrical insulation ofthe protective diode region from the emission region is thus realized ina simple manner.

The semiconductor layer sequence forming the semiconductor body 2comprises an active region 20 provided for generating radiation, theactive region being arranged between a first semiconductor layer 21 anda second semiconductor layer 22. The first semiconductor layer isarranged on that side of the active region which faces away from thecarrier 5.

A radiation exit area 10 of the semiconductor chip, in particular of theemission region 23, is formed on that side of the semiconductor body 2which faces away from the carrier 5. Radiation generated in the activeregion of the emission region during the operation of the semiconductorchip emerges from the semiconductor chip 1 preferably predominantlythrough the radiation exit area.

The first semiconductor layer 21 is different than the secondsemiconductor layer 22 with regard to the conduction type. By way ofexample, the second semiconductor layer can be embodied in p-conductingfashion and the first semiconductor layer in n-conducting fashion, orvice versa.

The active region 20 is thus arranged in a diode structure.

The semiconductor body 2 with the emission region 23 and the protectivediode region 24 is cohesively connected, by a connecting layer 6, to afirst main area 51 of the carrier 5, the first main area facing thesemiconductor body. The connecting layer can be an adhesive layer or asolder layer, for, example.

A first connection layer 31 is formed between the semiconductor body 2and the carrier 5. In the emission region, the semiconductor body 2 hasa plurality of recesses 25 extending through the second semiconductorlayer 22 and through the active region 20 into the first semiconductorlayer 21. The first connection layer 31 runs through the recesses andproduces an electrically conductive connection to the firstsemiconductor layer 21 from that side of the semiconductor body 2 whichfaces the carrier.

In the protective diode region 24, the semiconductor body has a furtherrecess 26 extending through the second semiconductor layer 22 and theactive region 20 into the first semiconductor layer 21. The furtherrecess is, provided for the electrical contact-connection of the firstsemiconductor layer in the protective diode region.

Furthermore, a second connection layer 32 is formed between thesemiconductor body 2 and the carrier 5. The second connection layer 32serves for the electrical contact-connection of the second semiconductorlayer 22 in the emission region 23 of the semiconductor chip.

The semiconductor chip 1 has a first contact 41 and a second contact 42.The contacts are provided for the external electrical contact-connectionof the semiconductor chip. During the operation of the semiconductorchip, as a result of an electrical voltage being applied between thecontacts, charge carriers can be injected from different sides into theactive region and recombine there with emission of radiation.

In the example shown, the semiconductor chip 1 can be electricallycontact-connected externally, via the first contact 41, from that sideof the carrier 5 which faces away from the semiconductor body 2. Thefirst contact covers, preferably completely or at least substantiallycompletely, a second main area 32 of the carrier, the second main areafacing away from the semiconductor body 2.

The first contact 41 is electrically conductively connected to the firstconnection layer 31 via the carrier 5 and the connecting layer 6.

The second contact 42 is electrically conductively connected to thesecond connection layer 32 and preferably directly adjoins the secondconnection layer. In a departure from this, the second contact 42 canalso be formed by an externally accessible area of the second connectionlayer. An additional contact layer is therefore not necessarily requiredfor forming the contact.

In the protective diode region 24, the first semiconductor layer 21 iselectrically conductively connected to the second connection layer 32,wherein the second connection layer 32 extends in the further recess 26from the first semiconductor layer in the direction of the carrier 5. Toavoid an electrical short circuit of the active region, a firstinsulation layer 71 is formed in the region of the further recess 26,the first insulation layer covering the side areas of the further recess26.

Furthermore, the first insulation layer 71 is formed in the protectivediode region 24 between the second semiconductor layer 22 and the secondconnection layer 32, such that a direct electrical contact between thesecond connection layer and the second semiconductor layer is avoided inthe protective diode region.

The second semiconductor layer 22, in the protective diode region 24, iselectrically conductively connected to the first connection layer 31.The second connection layer 32 has a cutout 36, through which the firstconnection layer extends as far as the second semiconductor layer 22.

To avoid an electrical short circuit of the active region 20 in theemission region 23, a second insulation layer 72 is formed between theside areas of the recesses 25 and the first connection layer 31.

Furthermore, the second insulation layer runs between the firstconnection layer 31 and the second connection layer 32. An electricalshort circuit between these connection layers is thus avoided in asimple manner.

By way of example, the first insulation layer 71 and the secondinsulation layer 72 can contain an oxide, for instance silicon oxide ortitanium oxide, a nitride, for instance silicon nitride, or anoxynitride, for instance silicon oxynitride, or consist of such amaterial.

The plurality of recesses 25 serves for injecting charge carriersuniformly in a lateral direction via the first semiconductor layer 21into the active region 20. The recesses 25 can be arranged in amatrix-like fashion or in the form of a honeycomb pattern, by way ofexample. Particularly given sufficient transverse conductivity of thefirst semiconductor layer 21, an embodiment of the semiconductor chipwhich has, in the emission region, only a single recess 25 for theelectrical contact-connection of the first semiconductor layer 21 isalso conceivable.

In a plan view of the semiconductor chip, the area of the protectivediode region 24 is preferably small relative to the area of the emissionregion 23. In particular, the area of the protective diode region is amaximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, most preferablya maximum of 1%, of the area of the semiconductor chip 1.

By way of example, the semiconductor chip can have an edge length of 1mm and the protective diode region can have an edge length of 60 μm. Inthis example, the protective diode region therefore covers less than0.4% of the total area of the semiconductor chip, such that theintegration of the protective diode region into the semiconductor chipdoes not lead to a significant reduction of the radiation power emittedby the semiconductor chip.

Even with an area of the protective diode region 24 of 60 μm×60 μm, anESD protection, for instance in accordance with the standardJESD22-A114-E of the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, isprovided and an ESD pulse can cause only a noncritical temperatureincrease. The function of a protective diode can therefore be integratedinto the semiconductor chip in an extremely compact and easy-to-producemanner.

The current paths in the semiconductor chip 1 are illustratedschematically in FIG. 2. The current paths are described by way ofexample below for the case where the first semiconductor layer is inn-conducting fashion and the second semiconductor layer in p-conductingfashion.

When a positive voltage is present at the second contact 42 relative tothe first contact 41, electrons are injected from the first contact 41through the carrier 5 and the connecting layer 6 via the firstconnection layer 31 into the first semiconductor layer 21. From thesecond contact 42, via the second connection layer 32, holes areinjected into the second semiconductor layer 22 of the emission region23, such that the electrons and holes can recombine in the active region20 with emission of radiation in the emission region. Given thispolarity of the externally applied voltage, the emission region istherefore operated in the forward direction.

In contrast to this, in the protective diode region 24, the firstsemiconductor layer 21 is electrically conductively connected to thesecond contact 42 via the second connection layer. Furthermore, thesecond semiconductor layer 22, in the protective diode region 24, iselectrically conductively connected to the first contact 41 via thefirst connection layer 31. The forward direction of the emission region23 and that of the protective diode region 24 are therefore antiparallelwith respect to one another, such that the protective diode region 24 isoperated in the reverse direction when the operating voltage of theexternal contacts 41 and 42 is present. Consequently, no or at least nosignificant portion of the injected current flows through the protectivediode region 24.

By contrast, undesirable voltage, which is present for example onaccount of electrical charging in the emission region 23 in the reversedirection at the active region 20, can flow away via the protectivediode region 24. Consequently, the function of a protective diode thatprotects the emission region against damage by electrostatic dischargeis integrated into the semiconductor body 2.

The semiconductor body 2, in particular the active region 20, preferablycontains a III-V semiconductor material.

III-V semiconductor materials are particularly suitable for generatingradiation in the ultraviolet (In_(x)Ga_(y)Al_(1−x−y)N), through thevisible (In_(x)Ga_(y)Al_(1−x−y)N, in particular for blue to greenradiation, or In_(x)Ga_(y)Al_(1−x−y), in particular for yellow to redradiation) to the infrared (In_(x)Ga_(y)Al_(1−x−y)As) spectral ranges.Here 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1 and x+y≦1, in particular where x≠1, y≠1, x≠0 and/ory≠0, hold true in each case. With III-V semiconductor materials, inparticular from the material systems mentioned, high internal quantumefficiencies can furthermore be obtained during the generation ofradiation.

The first connection layer 31 and/or the second connection layer 32preferably in each case contain a metal, for example titanium, platinum,nickel, gold, silver, aluminum or rhodium, or a metallic alloy,comprising at least one of the materials mentioned, or consist of ametal or a metallic alloy. Alternatively or supplementarily, the firstconnection layer 31 and/or the second connection layer 32 can contain aTCO material, for example ITO or zinc oxide, or consist of such amaterial.

The second connection layer 32 furthermore preferably has a highreflectivity for the radiation generated in the active region 20. Withregard to a high reflectivity, silver, aluminum or rhodium, for example,is suitable in the ultraviolet and blue spectral range, and gold, forexample is suitable in the red and infrared spectral range.

The first contact 41 and the second contact 42 can, in particular,contain a metal mentioned in connection with the first and the secondconnection layers or a metallic alloy comprising one of these materialsor consist of such a material. In particular, materials are suitablewith which an external electrical contact-connection can be produced ina simple manner, for instance by a bonding wire or by a solderingconnection. By way of example, gold is particularly suitable as materialfor the contacts.

With a second connection layer in a reflective fashion, the radiationgenerated in the active region and emitted in the direction of thecarrier 5 can be deflected in the direction of the radiation exit area10 and emerge through the latter from the semiconductor chip.

Furthermore, the protective diode region 24 is formed outside thecarrier 5. Therefore, no additional requirements are made of the carrier5 as a result of the integration of the function of a protective diodeinto the semiconductor chip. In particular, the carrier can be planarand furthermore completely unstructured. The injection of chargecarriers can therefore be effected from the contact areally through thecarrier.

By way of example, a semiconductor material, for instance germanium orsilicon, which can be doped, is suitable as material for the carrier 5.

In the example shown, the electrical contact-connection of the firstconnection layer 31 by means of the first contact 41 and of the secondconnection layer 32 by means of the second contact 42 is effected merelyby way of example by an arrangement of the contacts 41, 42 on oppositesides of the carrier and injection of charge carriers through anelectrically conductive, unstructured carrier.

In a departure from the example described, the carrier 5 can also haveat least one cutout extending in a vertical direction through thecarrier and filled with an electrically conductive material, forinstance a metal. In this case, the carrier can also be embodied in anelectrically insulating fashion. By way of example, the carrier cancontain a ceramic, for instance aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide orsilicon nitride, or consist of such a material.

Furthermore, in a departure from the example shown, that side of thecarrier 5 which faces away from the semiconductor body 2 can be embodiedin a manner free of an electrical contact. The electrical contacts 41,42 can therefore be arranged on that side of the carrier which faces thesemiconductor body. In this case, the carrier is preferably embodied inelectrically insulating fashion. In a departure from this however, anelectrically conductive carrier can also be used.

As a further alternative, in a departure from the example shown, thecontacts 41, 42 can be arranged on that side of the carrier 5 whichfaces away from the semiconductor body 2, such that the semiconductorchip can be electrically contact-connected exclusively from one side ofthe carrier 5. By way of example, in the carrier for the electricalcontact-connection of the first connection layer 31 and for theelectrical contact-connection of the second connection layer 32, in eachcase at least one cutout can be provided in the carrier 5, which ispreferably embodied in electrically insulating fashion, the cutout ineach case extending in a vertical direction through the carrier 5.

A second example of a semiconductor chip 1 is shown in schematic view inFIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein FIG. 3B illustrates a plan view and FIG. 3A asectional view along the line AA′.

This second example substantially corresponds to the first exampledescribed in connection with FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2. In contrast thereto,the second contact 42 is formed by a contact layer 420. The secondcontact 42 is formed on that side of the protective diode region 24which faces away from the carrier 5. In this case, the second contact 42covers the protective diode region 24 in a plan view of thesemiconductor chip.

The contact layer 420 covers a side area 240 of the protective dioderegion 24 that delimits the protective diode region in a lateraldirection.

In the example shown the contact layer 420 extends completely around theprotective diode region 24 in a lateral direction and furthermorecompletely covers the side areas 240 of the protective diode region. Inthis way, the protective diode region 24 can be completely encapsulatedby the contact layer 420. In the case of a contact layer that isnon-transmissive with regard to radiation generated in the active region20, a situation may be avoided in which radiation generated in theprotective diode region 24 on account of electrostatic discharge, forexample, emerges from the semiconductor chip.

In a departure from this, the contact layer 420 can also cover the sideareas 240 of the protective diode region 24 only in regions.

A third insulation layer 73 is arranged between the contact layer 420and the side areas 240 of the protective diode region 24. An electricalshort circuit between the first semiconductor layer 21 and the secondsemiconductor layer 22 in the protective diode region 24 through thecontact layer 420 can thus be avoided.

The contact layer 420 is electrically conductively connected to thesecond connection layer 32. Consequently, the second contact 42 iselectrically conductively connected via the contact layer 420 to thefirst semiconductor layer 21 of the protective diode region 24 and viathe second connection layer 32 to the second semiconductor layer 22 ofthe emission region, preferably in each case by an ohmic connection.

In contrast to the first example described in connection with FIGS. 1A,1B and 2, therefore, for the electrical contact-connection of the firstsemiconductor layer 21 of the protective diode region 24, no furtherrecess extending through the second semiconductor layer 22 and theactive region 20 is required in the protective diode region.

As described in connection with the first example, the secondsemiconductor layer 22 of the protective diode region 24 is electricallyconductively connected to the first connection layer 31 and thus via theconnecting layer 6 and the carrier 5 to the first contact 41 in anelectrically conductive manner, in particular by an ohmic connection.Consequently, once again the protective diode region 24 and the emissionregion 23 are connected in antiparallel with one another with regard totheir forward direction when an external electrical voltage is presentbetween the first contact 41 and the second contact 42.

The contact layer 420 can, in particular, contain the materialsmentioned in connection with the connection layers 31, 32 or consist ofsuch a material.

The contact layer 420, with regard to the material, can also bedifferent than the material of the second connection layer 32. Thus, byway of example, the second connection layer 32 can be chosen with regardto a high contact capability with respect to the second semiconductorlayer 22 and/or a high reflectivity for radiation generated in theactive region 20 and the contact layer 420 can be chosen with regard toa good external electrical contact-connectability, for example by a wirebonding connection.

The third insulation layer 73 can, in particular, contain the materialsdescribed in connection with the first and the second insulation layer71 and 72, respectively, or consist of such a material.

The current paths in a semiconductor chip in accordance with the secondexample are illustrated schematically in FIG. 4. In this case, thedescription is given once again by way of example for the case where thesecond semiconductor layer 22 is doped in p-conducting fashion and thefirst semiconductor layer 21 is doped in n-conducting fashion.

From the first contact 41, charge carriers can pass firstly via thecarrier 5, the connecting layer 6 and the first connection layer 31through the recesses 25 in the emission region 23 into the firstsemiconductor layer 21.

Secondly, the first contact 41 is connected via the carrier 5, theconnecting layer 6 and the first connection layer 31 to the secondsemiconductor layer 22 of the protective diode region 24.

The second contact 42 is furthermore connected via the contact layer 420firstly via the second connection layer 32 to the second semiconductorlayer 22 of the emission region and, secondly, the contact 42 iselectrically conductively connected to the first semiconductor layer ofthe protective diode region 24.

With regard to their forward direction, the diode structures of theemission region 23 and of the protective diode region 24 are thereforeconnected in antiparallel with one another. When a positive electricalvoltage is present at the second contact 42 relative to the firstcontact 41, the diode structure of the emission region 23 is operated inthe forward direction, while the protective diode region 24 is operatedin the reverse direction.

In the second example, the protective diode region 24 can be formedcompletely below the second contact 42. In this way, the function of aprotective diode can be integrated into the semiconductor chip 1 withoutadditional space for the protective diode being required for thispurpose. The protective diode can therefore be integrated into thesemiconductor chip whilst maintaining the area of the emission region 23that can be utilized for generating radiation.

One example of a method for producing a radiation-emitting semiconductorchip is shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F on the basis of intermediate stepsillustrated in schematic sectional view in each case.

The method will be described by way of example on the basis of theproduction of a semiconductor chip embodied in the manner described inconnection with FIG. 1.

A semiconductor layer sequence 2 is provided. The semiconductor layersequence comprises an active region 20 arranged between a firstsemiconductor layer 21 and a second semiconductor layer 22. Thesemiconductor layer sequence 2 can be deposited for example epitaxially,for instance by MOVPE or MBE. Furthermore, the semiconductor layersequence 2 can be provided on a growth substrate 8 for the semiconductorlayer sequence. In a departure from this, the semiconductor layersequence 2 can also be provided on an auxiliary carrier that isdifferent than the growth substrate.

The semiconductor layer sequence forms the semiconductor bodies in thecompleted semiconductor chips.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, recesses 25 are formed from that side of thesemiconductor layer sequence which faces away from the growth substrate8, the recesses extending through the second semiconductor layer 22 andthe active region 20 into the first semiconductor layer 21. This isexpediently effected after the conclusion of the deposition of thesemiconductor layer sequence.

Furthermore, a further recess 26 is formed in the semiconductor body,the further recess likewise extending through the second semiconductorlayer 22 and the active region 20 into the first semiconductor layer 21.

The recesses 25 and the further recess 26 can be formed in a common stepor successively in different steps, for example by wet-chemical ordry-chemical etching, in the semiconductor layer sequence.

A first insulation layer 71 is formed on the semiconductor layersequence 2, the insulation layer covering the side areas of the furtherrecess 26. Furthermore the first insulation layer 71 also covers part ofthe top side of the semiconductor layer sequence 2 that faces away fromthe growth substrate 8.

As illustrated FIG. 5C, a second connection layer 32 is subsequentlydeposited on the semiconductor body 2. The second semiconductor layer 32directly adjoins the second semiconductor layer 22 in regions andfurthermore extends through the further recess 26 as far as the firstsemiconductor layer 21 and produces an electrically conductiveconnection thereto. By contrast, the recesses 25 of the semiconductorlayer sequence are free of the material for the second connection layer32.

The first connection layer 31 and the second connection layer 32 can bedeposited by vapor deposition or sputtering, for example.

A second insulation layer 72 is deposited on the second connection layer32, wherein the second insulation layer covers the side areas of therecesses 25. A region of the recesses 25 that adjoins the firstsemiconductor layer 21, for instance a bottom area of the recesses, isin a manner free of the second insulation layer in regions.

Furthermore, the second semiconductor layer 22, in the region of acutout 36 of the second connection layer, is free of the secondinsulation layer in regions.

A first connection layer 31 is subsequently deposited onto thesemiconductor layer sequence 2, wherein the first connection layercompletely or at least substantially completely covers the semiconductorlayer sequence. Structuring of the first connection layer or structuredapplication of the first connection layer can be dispensed with.

In this case, the first connection layer 31 is electrically conductivelyconnected to the second semiconductor layer 22 in the region of thecutout 36 and connected to the first semiconductor layer 21 of thesemiconductor layer sequence in the region of the recesses 25.

As illustrated in FIG. 5E, an assemblage comprising the semiconductorlayer sequence 2, the growth substrate 8 and a carrier 5 is subsequentlyproduced. The carrier 5 is cohesively fixed to the semiconductor layersequence by a connecting layer 6.

The connection layers 31, 32 are therefore formed on the semiconductorlayer sequence already before the assemblage is produced.

The carrier 5 serves for the mechanical stabilization of thesemiconductor layer sequence 2. The growth substrate 8 is no longerrequired for this purpose and can be removed.

The removal can be effected for example mechanically, for instance bygrinding, lapping or polishing, and/or chemically, for instance bywet-chemical or dry-chemical etching. Alternatively or supplementarily,a laser stripping method can also be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 5F, a cutout 29 is formed in the semiconductorlayer sequence 2, the cutout separating the semiconductor layer sequence2 into an emission region 23 and a protective diode region 24.Therefore, the formation of the emission region and of the protectivediode region is effected only after the formation of the first andsecond connection layers on the semiconductor layer sequence.

Furthermore, a region of the second connection layer 32 is uncovered byremoval of the material of the semiconductor layer sequence 2.

In the region, a second electrical contact 42 can be deposited on thesecond connection layer 32. In a departure from this, the surface of thesecond connection layer 32 itself can also be used as the secondcontact. Furthermore, a first contact 41 is deposited on that side ofthe carrier 5 which faces away from the semiconductor layer sequence 2.The contacts can be deposited by vapor deposition or sputtering, forexample.

The method has been described for the production of only onesemiconductor chip merely for the sake of simplified illustration. Inthe production method, a multiplicity of semiconductor chips can beproduced alongside one another, wherein the semiconductor chips arisefrom the assemblage 9 by the singulation of the assemblage.

The singulation can be effected for example mechanically, for instanceby cleaving, breaking or water cutting, chemically, for instance bywet-chemical or dry-chemical etching, and/or by laser radiation.

Semiconductor chips each having a semiconductor body 2 with an emissionregion 23 and a protective diode region 24 arise as a result of thesingulation of the assemblage 9 into semiconductor chips. In thesemiconductor chips thus produced, therefore, the function of aprotective diode is integrated into the semiconductor chip, inparticular into the semiconductor body, by the protective diode region24 as early as during singulation. Consequently, the radiation-emittingsemiconductor chip is protected against possible damage on account ofelectrostatic discharge as early as proceeding from singulation.

This disclosure is not restricted by the description on the basis of theexamples. Rather, the disclosure encompasses any novel feature and alsoany combination of features, which in particular includes anycombination of features in the appended claims, even if this feature orthis combination itself is not explicitly specified in the claims or theexamples.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A radiation-emitting semiconductor chipcomprising a carrier and a semiconductor body having a semiconductorlayer sequence, wherein an emission region and a protective diode regionare formed in the semiconductor body having the semiconductor layersequence; the semiconductor layer sequence comprises an active regionthat generates radiation, said active region being arranged between afirst semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; the firstsemiconductor layer is arranged on a side of the active region whichfaces away from the carrier; the emission region has a recess extendingthrough the active region; the first semiconductor layer in the emissionregion is electrically conductively connected to a first connectionlayer, wherein the first connection layer extends in the recess from thefirst semiconductor layer toward the carrier; the first connection layerin the protective diode region is electrically conductively connected tothe second semiconductor layer; the second semiconductor layerelectrically conductively connects in the emission region with a secondconnection layer; the second connection layer runs in regions betweenthe emission region and the first connection layer; and the secondconnection layer comprises a cutout through which the first connectionlayer extends through the second connection layer and electricallyconductively connects to the second semiconductor layer in theprotective diode region, wherein the semiconductor chip has a contactprovided for external contact connection of the second connection layer,and the contact covers the protective diode region in a plan view of thesemiconductor chip and the contact does not transmit light.
 2. Thesemiconductor chip according to claim 1, wherein the emission region andthe protective diode region are connected in antiparallel with oneanother with regard to their forward direction.
 3. The semiconductorchip according to claim 1, wherein the emission region and theprotective diode region are regions of the semiconductor body arrangedalongside one another in a lateral direction.
 4. The semiconductor chipaccording to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor body is cohesivelyconnected to the carrier, and wherein the first connection layer runs inregions between the semiconductor body and the carrier.
 5. Thesemiconductor chip according to claim 1, wherein the second connectionlayer in the protective diode region is electrically conductivelyconnected to the first semiconductor layer.
 6. The semiconductor chipaccording to claim 2, wherein the emission region and the protectivediode region are regions of the semiconductor body arranged alongsideone another in a lateral direction.
 7. A method for producing aplurality of radiation-emitting semiconductor chips comprising: a)providing a semiconductor layer sequence having an active region thatgenerates radiation, said active region being arranged between a firstsemiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; b) forming aplurality of recesses extending through the second semiconductor layerand through the active region; c) forming a first connection layer onthe semiconductor layer sequence, wherein the first connection layer inthe recesses is electrically conductively connected to the firstsemiconductor layer, and wherein the first connection layer iselectrically conductively connected in regions to the secondsemiconductor layer; d) forming an assemblage comprising thesemiconductor layer sequence and a carrier; e) forming a plurality ofemission regions and a plurality of protective diode regions from thesemiconductor layer sequence, wherein the emission regions each have atleast one recess and, in the protective diode regions, the firstconnection layer is electrically conductively connected to the secondsemiconductor layer; and f) singulating the assemblage into a pluralityof semiconductor chips, wherein each semiconductor chip has at least oneemission region and at least one protective diode region such that thesecond semiconductor layer electrically conductively connects in theemission region with a second connection layer; the second connectionlayer runs in regions between the emission region and the firstconnection layer; and the second connection layer comprises a cutoutthrough which the first connection layer extends through the secondconnection layer and electrically conductively connects to the secondsemiconductor layer in the protective diode region, wherein thesemiconductor chip has a contact provided for external contactconnection of the second connection layer, wherein: the contact isarranged on that side of the carrier which faces the semiconductor body;the contact is spaced apart from the emission region in a lateraldirection; and the contact is electrically conductively connected to thesecond semiconductor layer in the emission region, wherein the contactcovers the protective diode region in a plan view of the semiconductorchip and the contact does not transmit light.
 8. The method according toclaim 7, wherein, before step e), a growth substrate for thesemiconductor layer sequence is removed at least in selected regions. 9.A radiation-emitting semiconductor chip comprising a carrier and asemiconductor body having a semiconductor layer sequence, wherein: anemission region and a protective diode region are formed in thesemiconductor body having the semiconductor layer sequence; thesemiconductor layer sequence comprises an active region that generatesradiation, said active region being arranged between a firstsemiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer; the firstsemiconductor layer is arranged on a side of the active region whichfaces away from the carrier; the emission region has a recess extendingthrough the active region; the first semiconductor layer in the emissionregion is electrically conductively connected to a first connectionlayer, wherein the first connection layer extends in the recess from thefirst semiconductor layer toward the carrier; the first connection layerin the protective diode region is electrically conductively connected tothe second semiconductor layer; the second semiconductor layerelectrically conductively connects in the emission region with a secondconnection layer; the second connection layer runs in regions betweenthe emission region and the first connection layer; and the secondconnection layer comprises a cutout through which the first connectionlayer extends through the second connection layer and electricallyconductively connects to the second semiconductor layer in theprotective diode region, wherein the semiconductor chip has a contactprovided for external contact connection of the second connection layer,wherein: the contact is arranged on that side of the carrier which facesthe semiconductor body; the contact is spaced apart from the emissionregion in a lateral direction; and the contact is electricallyconductively connected to the second semiconductor layer in the emissionregion, wherein the contact covers the protective diode region in a planview of the semiconductor chip, and the contact does not transmit light.